Enjoying Gorecht

On a crisp spring morning, you’ll set off on your adventure – just under an hour and a half long – through stunning natural scenery, past wildlife and the hospitable people of Groningen. Make sure to check your tyre pressure and bike chain thoroughly before heading to the starting point De Biotoop . De Biotoop is the place to be for creative types, artists and entrepreneurs, and in the shop you’ll find vintage clothing, handmade key rings, lovely postcards and local produce.

For the first few metres, you’ll cycle through the residential areas of Oosterhaar, where you’ll soon pick up speed towards the Onnerpolder. Here, you’ll cycle past the Harener Wildernis, a unique nature reserve consisting of marsh woodland and grasslands. The wonderful scent of wild myrica gives you an instant boost. Wild myrica was once widely used in the preparation of spicy alcoholic drinks, such as berenburg, and grows in a few spots within the Harener Wildernis.

Parallel to the train track, you pedal eastwards along the peaceful polders. The rich palette of flora and fauna ensures that no metre is the same. Traditionally, the Onnerpolder is a real meadow bird area. Don't be surprised if you are kindly greeted by special residents such as the grebe, snipe and numerous duck species. The Westerbroekstermadepolder and the Kropswolderbuitenpolder lie in the basin of the Hunze, the river that once flowed from Drenthe to the Waddenzee. The Zuidlaardermeer and the Hunze regularly overflowed their banks, making much of the land marshy and swampy.

At the end of the Polderpad you'll find a piece of Groningen heritage: Koetze Tibbe. A millable American wind engine from 1936 that has stood the test of time. Originally built to drain the polder near the Frisian town of Koudum, the wind engine stood for many years in Ten Boer, but after restoration was placed on the eastern shore of the Foxholstermeer in 2004. Grazing Scottish Highlanders provide grazing for the area.

With each step, you approach the Vogelkijkhut Polderpad, a perfect place to step off and marvel at the many waterbirds. Through the windows of the hut, you can see different parts of the polder. With a bit of luck, you will spot birds like pintail, redwing and buzzard.

The road you follow, the Strandweg, already gives away a little of what is to come. Meerwijck beach is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. In warmer temperatures, enjoy some cooling down here, give your feet a rest from the pedals or enjoy a good lunch at Beachclub Vifero. Then comes the moment to cross by ferry. A short break on the water briefly disconnects you from the mainland and gives you a chance to take in the Groningen landscape. The cycle ferry across the Drentse Diep is a popular junction for many walkers and cyclists.